Extreme Trance!

The Frenchman introduced them with glee, the group that was all about percussion, consistency, and ongoing dance. They entered the stage; the older woman in full costume, the wiry conga player, the charismatic lead singer and electronic thumb organ player, the snare drummer, and the bell player, followed by the two elderly electric thumb organ players. The Cedar Cultural Center announcer did say that the last time KONONO N°1 CONGOTRONICS played in Minneapolis, the first "song" was a mere 45 minutes long. But, the truth is that this group played an entire set of trance-infused percussive rhythm for a lengthy hour and 45 minutes! They are from the Congo; true street musicians who play from dawn until dusk! They didn't sing much, but they sure did arouse the crowd with chants, taunting us to continue dancing. It's almost like you get tired of dancing, but you want to keep going. I felt like a moving train that never ran out of coal! When we all reached the end of the set, drenched after dancing continuously, they left the stage. I think we were all relieved, musicians included, that the trance dance was over! By the way, they did not come back for an encore!

Comments

[bill hendricks]

Linda,

Email me... please.

Bill